Here's Why Eknath Shinde Rebelled Against Uddhav Thackeray: Constant Humiliation, Interference

Eknath Shinde is a staunch Shiv Sena worker shaped by the ideals of Anand Dighe. He organized numerous protests in the name of Anand Dighe, and during the Belgaum border issue protests, he spent several days in Bellary prison. His movement against dance bars in Thane city gained significant attention.

After Anand Dighe's death, Eknath Shinde took charge of the Shiv Sena in Thane district and worked to ensure that the party's saffron flag did not fade from Thane city. He even negotiated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the party's rival, to secure their support in the Thane Municipal Corporation.

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Shinde played a crucial role in expanding Shiv Sena's presence not only in Thane district but also in the Palghar area. Following Anand Dighe's demise, he maintained strong relationships with both Balasaheb Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray.

Missed Deputy Chief Ministership

Eknath Shinde was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2004 and 2009, but the alliance did not come to power in either instance. In 2014, Shiv Sena and BJP contested separately. The NCP provided external support to the BJP, leading to Shiv Sena's opposition status. During this time, Eknath Shinde served as the leader of the opposition. Due to the NCP's external support to the government, Shiv Sena's bargaining power diminished, resulting in an inability to secure substantial portfolios.

There were discussions about Shinde potentially becoming the Deputy Chief Minister, but these did not materialize. Instead, he was given the portfolio of Minister for Public Works, along with responsibility for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

During this tenure, a close relationship developed between Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. As a result, Fadnavis entrusted Shinde with the responsibility of the Samriddhi Highway, which he completed successfully. Through the Samriddhi Highway, Shinde gained significant proximity to Shiv Sena's legislators from Marathwada.

Gradually Increasing Prominence

During this period, while the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition was in power in the state, there was a struggle between the two parties at the level of local self-governance. Several Shiv Sena ministers would vehemently criticize BJP ministers in cabinet meetings.

However, Eknath Shinde consistently avoided criticizing the government in these meetings. Even though there were strong attacks on the Samriddhi Highway through the party's newspaper, Shinde managed to handle his responsibilities effectively.

He played a pivotal role in stopping an Adivasi march from Nashik that was headed towards Thane, sending them back instead. During this time, Shinde's stature in the party was on the rise, while Uddhav Thackeray seemed preoccupied with criticizing the BJP and gaining the benefits of power.

Opposition to Leadership for Chief Ministership

In 2019, the Shiv Sena contested the elections in an alliance with the BJP. Aaditya Thackeray was fielded from the Worli assembly constituency, creating competition for Shinde. To secure Aaditya Thackeray's seat, leaders from the opposition were brought into the Shiv Sena, simplifying the contest in Worli.

Although the people of Maharashtra voted for the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, Uddhav Thackeray hesitated at the last moment to extend support to the BJP, thus blocking the path to the Chief Ministership.

The natural alliance fell apart, paving the way for an unnatural Maha Vikas Aghadi. During that time, there was speculation that Eknath Shinde would become the Chief Minister. However, Shinde was sidelined by Sharad Pawar's influence. It later became clear that the opposition to Shinde's Chief Ministerial candidacy came not from other leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi but from Uddhav Thackeray himself.

Despite being the strongest contender for the Chief Minister position, Shinde's name was overshadowed by Rashmi Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Sanjay Raut. However, the coalition partners rejected these names, ultimately leading to Uddhav Thackeray being the nominee.

Elected Legislators Left Out of Power

The Congress and NCP cunningly maneuvered to award ministerial positions that were supposed to go to independents to Shiv Sena, further sidelining Eknath Shinde. Uddhav Thackeray became the Chief Minister, and he also appointed Aaditya Thackeray as a cabinet minister.

Additionally, elected members like Subhash Desai and Anil Parab were made ministers. Uddhav Thackeray essentially used seven ministerial positions to strengthen his own control, leaving little opportunity for the elected legislators. This was the second blow to Eknath Shinde.

After becoming Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray completely neglected the party organization. He began avoiding meetings with his own legislators, leading to discontent among them, who then turned to Eknath Shinde.

Draining of Local Shiv Sainiks

Uddhav Thackeray had no administrative experience, while the leaders of the NCP and Congress were seasoned in governance. As a result, the Congress and NCP devised a strategy to undermine local Shiv Sainiks through administrative control, a tactic that Uddhav Thackeray was unaware of. Consequently, discontented Shiv Sainiks and legislators began to gravitate towards Eknath Shinde.

Within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, there was a growing belief that they had nothing genuine, and that Uddhav Thackeray, under pressure from them, would not pay attention to them. Additionally, there were fears among the legislators about losing their Hindu nationalist voter base and facing local resentment from the BJP. They expressed that their constituencies were not as secure as Worli, and they would not be awarded seats in the Legislative Council either. They questioned the benefits of the Maha Vikas Aghadi's arithmetic.

Beginning of Clipping Wings

It became evident that the number of individuals respecting Eknath Shinde within the organization was increasing. Consequently, attempts began to curtail Shinde's authority.

The Chief Minister started scrutinizing files from Shinde's department personally. Meetings related to Shinde's portfolio began to be held in his absence, often led by Aaditya Thackeray. Important meetings were being organised without Shinde being invited.

Varun Sardesai's interventions in Shinde's department increased as well. This led to growing discontent within Shinde, who remained silent despite the humiliation for an extended period.

In 2022, the Rajya Sabha elections took place. The BJP, despite being in the opposition, fielded an extra candidate who won, while the Shiv Sena's candidate faced defeat. Shinde openly stated in the assembly, "Even though I was upset, I brought three votes for the Shiv Sena candidate from outside during this election." After the results of this election, the party leadership's displeasure towards Shinde intensified.

Following the Rajya Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena excluded Shinde from participating in any strategic decision-making. Uddhav Thackeray, during an event marking the party's foundation, commented, "We don't want anyone in our party who sells mother's milk."

The Legislative Council elections were approaching, and even on the day of strategizing for these elections, Eknath Shinde was sidelined, leading to an explosion of his anger. What followed became history. The voting took place, and the BJP's extra candidate won while the Congress candidate was defeated.

The continuous humiliation within the party, interference by the family of the party leaders in governance, consistent attempts to clip Shinde's wings, and the leadership's negligence towards the organization, along with pressure from fellow legislators, ultimately forced Eknath Shinde to revolt.